Abaya Rally revs up women’s empowerment to celebrate Emirati Women’s Day at the Museum of the Future

The 3rd edition featured an all-women drive with 200 women dressed in Abayas in
Dubai

By Fatema Mufaddal THDLIVE
Dubai – August 29, 2023: The adventure-infused glamorous Abaya Rally flagged
off at the Dubai Autodrome Club Circuit in Dubai with an exhilarating all-woman drive
experience representing women breaking stereotypes, moving towards strength,
ambition, and a sustainable future. Participants embarked on a journey on the tracks
that blended adrenaline-pumping excitement with a powerful message of
empowerment and unity.
The initiative recognizes the impact of women, their achievements, strength, and the
‘Power of the Abaya’ – embodying a proud tradition, a deeply respected culture, and
the identity of women in the UAE. The event concluded at the iconic Museum of the
Future on Sunday.
The event was attended by distinguished guests, achievers, partners, members of the
Media, and partners. The celebrations included a Women of Achievement awards
ceremony, panel discussion, and an Abaya Fashion Show that was curated by luxury
Abaya brand Hanayen and Swarovski, and jewellery from Al Fardan.
To mark the 8th edition of Emirati Women’s Day, 15 Emirati women achievers from
various fields who were making an impact were feted with the Emirati Woman of
Achievement Awards at the Museum of the Future. On this wonderful occasion, 15
distinguished women officers from various departments of the Dubai Police Force were
honoured for their dedication and excellence in serving the nation.
“It was an honour to be recognized as a Women of Achievement as part of such a
wonderful event that brought together and celebrated exceptional women from across
the UAE. The role played by women in the prosperity and growth of the UAE cannot
be understated, driven by the country’s leaders’ continuous efforts in advancing
gender equality and empowering women at every level.” stated awardee, Awtar Al
Khaleej.
A panel discussion titled ‘Driving Change: Empowering & Inspiring Change for a
Sustainable Future’, featuring highly achieved women Eng. Maitha Alblooshi, Ghada Al
Fardan, Helena Hijazi, Dr. Majida Al Azazi and Pallavi Puri. The discussion was built on
the vision and theme for 2023 ‘We collaborate for tomorrow’, Sustainable Future’.
“As an Emirati woman, I’ve been fortunate to see the continued empowerment of
women in the UAE by taking important roles in every field that builds society, grows
the economy, and shapes the next 50 years. “Emirati women did not stop at being
half of society, but rather proved that they are an accomplished and essential part of
it in building the nation and its renaissance,” said, Panelist Dr. Majida Al Azazi

Jayakumar Natarajan, Marketing Director, Castrol Lubricants Middle East, the prime
sponsor said regarding their participation in the Abaya Rally, “Empowerment fuels
progress, just like Castrol EDGE powers engines. We’re honoured to be part of this
event that celebrates women’s empowerment, strength, unity, and the drive for
excellence.” Castrol featured 10 inspiring women from the motoring community in a
powerful empowering campaign.
The Event was organised by Orbit Events & Promotions and received overwhelming
support from a curated list of brands including Powered by Partner Castrol Edge, in
association with Alfardan Jewellery, Supported By Barbie, Al Ain Farms, Al Haramain
Perfumes, Fitness Partner FitnGlam, Footwear Partner Celeste, Abaya Partner Hanayen
and Swarovski B2B, Premium Chocolate Partner Aaraya, Floral Partner FNP.AE and
partners HudaBeauty, Wishful, Kayali, Ribbons & Balloons, EMSO, Quick Surf Network,
BeDashing Beauty Lounge, Rituals, Champion Digital, UAE Mustang Knights Club,
Zulekha Hospital, 4K Creations, Battmobile, Pallavi Puri.
The event aligns with the vision of the leadership of the country to empower women
by allowing them to contribute effectively to development.
“As someone who has lived most of my life here in the U.A.E., I always wanted to
create a concept that inspires, unites and celebrates the accomplishments of women
in a fun and memorable way. Witnessing the transformation of Abaya Rally into what
it is today from being a fun overwhelms us with the realisation of how empowerment
and unity can beautifully shape the future,” said Pragna Vaya, Managing Director –
Orbit Events and Promotions.
– ends –
About Abaya Rally:
Abaya Rally is an embodiment of empowerment and cultural pride, fostering unity and
diversity through a spirited celebration of women and their achievements. As a symbol
of strength and identity, the Abaya, along with the shared love for motoring, takes
centerstage in this unique event.
For more information Social Media Handles: Instagram: @AbayaRally Facebook:
@AbayaRally

MOTHER TERESA’S 113TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATED IN DUBAI

By : Fatema Mufaddal
UAE : Dubai


Mother Teresa’s 113th birthday was celebrated in style at the Conrad Hotel in Dubai. Saint Teresa as she was called, was born on 26 August 1910 and the founder of the Missionaries of Charity which grew to have over 4,500 nuns across 133 countries as of 2012. She worked with the poorest of the poor and received several honours, including the  Ramon Magsaysay Peace Prize and the Nobel Peace Prize

It all started with All India Minority and Weaker Sections Council, a non-political organization established by Late Prafulla Chandra Sen, former Chief Minister of West Bengal and Mr, Anthony Arun Biswas along with many other dignitaries. The council has been working for the welfare of the weaker sections of the community.  After the death of Saint Teresa in 1997, the council formed Mother Teresa International and Millennium Award Committee and gave them the responsibility to recogniZe and give away awards every year to eminent personalities who have excelled in the fields of Education, Science, Culture, Sports, Social Work, Medicine, Industry and Politics in the country. The award’s chief patron is Former Governor of West Bengal and Former Chief Justice of Calcutta, Justice Shyamal Sen. The award show that dates back 22 years has been conferred on illustrious names such as Dr Manmohan Singh, the former PM of India, Ms Sheikh Hasina- Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Musician and singer, Late Shri Manna Dey , Mr Ajit Wadekar , Coach & Former Captain of Indian National Cricket team, actor Prem Chopra, actor Rajesh Khanna, actor and politician Ms Hema Malini, Late Sri Girija Prasad Koirala – Ex- Prime Minister of Nepal, Late Sri Priya Ranjan Das Munshi – Former MP & Minister (Information & Broadcasting), Govt of India. Sri Oscar Fernandes – Former Minister, Govt. of India, Sri Ram Jethmalani , Ms Rani Mukherjee, Late Tapan Sinha, Singer and artiste Anup Jalota, musician and composer Sri Bhupen Hazarika, Ms Sabitri Chatterjee, Ms Anuradha Paudwal ,Ms Indrani Haider, actor Govinda , Ms Satabdi Roy, Late Fr. Peter Arulraj, the late Henry D’Souza – EX Archbishop of Kolkata,  Mr Shyam Bhatia – Founder of Alam Steel, Dubai 31, the late Mr Jagmahan Dalmiya – President, BCCI & CAB, Bangladeshi ministers, Mr Dipu Mani and Mr Gazi Golam Dastogir ,Mr. Ahmed Akbar Sobhan, Chairman Bashundhara Group, Bangladesh, Dr. H.B.M Iqbal (Ex MP)Chairman of Premier Bank Limited, Bangladesh, Sufi Mohammed Mizanur Rahman, Chairman of PHP Group, Bangladesh, Dr. Mahfuzur Rahman Chairman of ATN Bangla & ATN News,


This is the first time the award show has travelled overseas to Dubai and we had a few UAE residents who were conferred these awards. 


Dubai’s own business tycoon and cricket patron, Mr Shyam Bhatia, Patron of the award show addressed the press conference with 4 other panelists that included Dr. T.H. Ireland, Principal, St. James’ School, Kolkata
and chairman of the committee. Dr Ireland has had a close association with Mother Teresa and spoke of her compassion and her mission to work with the poorest of the poor. He has an interesting Dubai connection. In fact, his school won the first ever debate competition organised by GEMS Modern school in Dubai a few years ago. He had mentored the team.

The panel included the vivacious Usha Uthup with a career artiste known for her career that has lasted over 4 decades has a close associate of Mother Teresa.  She would often visit her and talk to her through her god and bad times and was present at her demise as well as her canonization. Onstage at the event, she and Dubai based Bollywood actor Kalpana Iyer ( whose most popular songs have been sung by Usha Uthup), created a beautiful memory of singing and dancing at their songs together.

Philanthropist Mr Ahmad Al Falasi who is called the Hopemaker of the UAE, a title conferred to him by none other than HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai and Deputy PM of the UAE graced the press conference and the event. Mr Falasi works tirelessly to provide medical aid to people around the world, often bridging the gap between the privileged and the under -privileged. His work in Africa, especially in medical facilities has been commendable and he has helped set up dialysis centres in Mombasa and other African regions. He was also on ground to assist in rescue operations at the recent earthquake in Turkey and continues to be a source of inspiration to us all.

Sacha Jafri Dubai based world renowned artist whose work regularly sells for between $5million USD – $25million USD, with his two most expensive pieces reaching as high as $62million and $105million USD, created a poignant art work onstage. In November of this year, alongside NASA’s 50th Anniversary since last landing on the Moon, history is set to be made as NASA team up with Sacha Jafri, Astrobotic, Spacebit, and Jeff Bezos’s ‘Blue Origin’ on their Lunar mission to place Sacha Jafri’s latest creation as the first Artwork to officially be placed on the Lunar Surface of our Moon. This celestial piece shines an eternal light back on our Earth, inspiring a more hopeful future for the reconnection of all Humanity. Jafri’s Moon-Landed painting, entitled ‘We Rise Together with the Light of the Moon’, is set to break all records when it goes under the hammer later this year at an estimate of a record breaking $105million USD, making it the most expensive work of art ever sold by a living artist.

The event was well attended by several eminent personalities of Dubai and were regaled by the dance performances of mother-daughter actor/artiste duo Indrani Dutta and Rajnandini Paul.

The Mother Teresa International awards 2023, Dubai is made possible by Mr Rajeev Sabharwal, Mr Sangwan, Mr Tapan Roy – International Convenor of the Mother Teresa Committee who is also Director ATN Bangla and ATN Medicare, Mr Lalit Sharma, Director – Operations – Real Impact, Manish Pawar, Prime Vision, Conrad Hotel , AR Pro Events, and Innara.